TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY
Nolan: Australia’s Maverick Artist, BBC4, 9pm
This one-off documentary takes an in-depth look at the remarkable works of renowned Australian artist Sidney Nolan, who is praised for his modernist pieces, and thought of as one of the country’s leading artists of the 20th Century. We hear about what drove his work, from his early years to his breakout successes, and hear what it is about his pieces that still manage to inspire other artists to this day.
The Clinton Affair, More4, 9pm There have been few affairs in recent times as high profile as that of US President Bill Clinton, whose time in office was muddied by his actions away from the White House. This new six-part series breaks down the facts that surround the actions of the then-POTUS, and examines the far-reaching ramifications that still linger to this day. This opening instalment looks at what it meant for Clinton to take office, but how his campaign was also littered with dark secrets. The most shocking, however, was yet to come — in the form of White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
Jack & Dani: Life After Love Island, Virgin Media 2, 10pm
The most recent series of Love Island was a massive hit with fans, and saw Dani Dyer and Jack Fincham named the winners. However, the real test on their relationship came after they stepped back to reality, and this new series follows them as they get used to the ups and downs of being together. There’s a lot ahead of them, including the headache of moving in together.
MONDAY
The Centenary Commemoration of the First Dail, RTE1, 3.25pm David McCullagh and Aine
Lawlor present live coverage of this very special event, which marks the anniversary of the first Dail Eireann, which was held at the Mansion House in Dublin
100 years ago today. There will be a number of speeches during the Ceremonial Commemorative Sitting, including words from President Michael D Higgins and An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, as well as readings of the Declaration of Independence, Message to the Nations, the Democratic Programme and more.
A Year of British Murder, Channel 4, 9pm The team behind this one-off special has been granted access to the lives of regular people who have had their worlds turned upside down as a result of violent crimes. They make up a small percentage of the shocking statistic that found 768 people died in Britain in 2017 as a result of manslaughter or murder. Filmed over 12 months, cameras capture the experience that such cases can be, hearing from those caught in the wake as they attempt to make sense of what happened and try to move on.
Manhunt, Virgin Media 1, 9pm This tense crime drama, starring Martin Clunes, concludes. DCI Colin Sutton briefs his team as they prepare to close in on killer Levi Bellfield. However, the raid on his house is a bust when he is nowhere to be found. Things look up when Bellfield’s frightened partner Laura Marsh insists on helping them, but can Sutton finally get his man?
One Day: Showing Ireland Off, RTE1, 9.35pm Another eye-opening series concludes this evening, as we get a glimpse into the lives of people whose profession it is to entertain the vast number of sightseers and holidaymakers who visit Ireland every year. This includes Agnes O’Sullivan, who has run the Taobh Coille B&B on the Ring of Kerry with her husband John for almost 40 years, and DublinTown tourist ambassador Vincent Kearns.
TUESDAY
Getaways, RTE1, 8.30pm
Turkey is the team’s foreign destination in this week’s instalment of the informative
travel guide. Mairead Ronan and Joe Lindsay take in all of the local sights and sounds, including popular resorts Oludeniz, Marmaris and Bodrum. Meanwhile, Tommy Bowe’s local trip takes him to Armagh.
The Good Fight, RTE1, 10.15pm The popular spin-off to The Good Wife, starring Christine Baranski, Rose Leslie, Cush Jumbo and Delroy Lindo, returns for a second season. The firm is brought back under less-thanideal circumstances, as they gather for Carl Reddick’s funeral. However, they’re never off the clock, as Diane tries to get herself back on top, Liz comes to a conclusion about the firm’s name, and Maia ends up getting an offer from FBI agent Starkey.
The Search, BBC1, 10.40pm This new observational documentary series follows the members of various search and rescue teams and groups of volunteers who attempt to help the people who are most in need of aid. In this opener, searchers embark on a major operation to track down 33-year-old Michael Cullen who has been reported missing in Belfast. Meanwhile, across the city, volunteers do their best to assist a distressed man on a bridge.
WEDNESDAY
We Need to Talk About Death, BBC2, 9pm
The latest entry in the Horizon documentary series sees Dr Kevin Fong attempt to understand the big issues that a person faces at the end of their life. He sits down with a number of medical professionals to discuss the treating of patients, and how it’s probably time to reassess how we deal with impending death.
Shut-Ins: Britain’s Fattest People, Channel 4, 10pm Twenty-four-year-old Emily is the focus of this, the final part of the documentary series focusing on a number of people whose daily lives are affected by their struggles with obesity. She has had issues with her weight her whole life, but ever since it
spiralled out of control at 17, to the point that she now weighs 26 stone, the single mother has been in a battle with how she views herself, and how she fears that others perceive her. She hopes that the experts, including a bariatric surgeon and a behavioural psychologist, can help get her life back on track.
Deutschland 86, RTE2, 10.50pm The story of Deutschland 83 continues in this new drama. Three years on, Martin Rauch is in exile, as East Germany rocks unsteadily on the verge of collapse. However, the return of his Aunt Lenora shakes things up, and her mission to secure some much-needed currency abroad could be the first step in keeping communism alive.
ThUrSDAY
Ear to the Ground, RTE1, 7pm More stories about the real people who live and work in Ireland’s rural communities, including Ella McSweeney’s conversation with a farmer in Co Derry who is preparing for the uncertainties of life after Brexit. Helen Carroll is in Co Kilkenny, to hear how dairy farmer PJ Irish met his artist wife Marley, and Darragh McCullough talks to a farmer who also risks his life while serving in the local Coast Guard Unit in Co Waterford.
First Dates Ireland, RTE2, 9.30pm Singletons searching for romance in this edition include 32-yearold dance facilitator Carol Ann, who is set up with 36-year-old Cathal. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Queen fan Audrey hopes to rock no-nonsense 41-year-old Joe.
FrIDAY
Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast, Channel 4, 8pm Hollywood star Jessica Chastain is the duo’s guest this week, and in honour of her vegan diet, Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty look to prepare a special menu, featuring a cauliflower tempura summer roll and a pea falafel fritter wrap, served with homemade hummus, crispy
chickpeas and garnishes. Driven by the fact that there’s a movie star in the cafe, Jimmy decides to build a popcorn maker.
Box Office, Virgin Media 2, 9.30pm Lisa Cannon returns for a new series of the informative and entertaining movie-related show. As always she has her finger on the pulse, and looks to keep viewers up to date with the biggest news from both Irish and international cinema. She gets the chance to preview upcoming attractions, chats to the stars and reviews the latest releases so you know what to check out on the big screen this weekend.
The Last Leg, Channel 4, 10pm Series 16 of the side-splitting satirical chat show begins this evening, as host Adam Hills and his regular conspirators Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker look back on the week that was, and dissect the biggest news stories in their own unique ways. They will also be joined by a famous face who will give their point of view on what’s been happening in the world.
SATUrDAY
Antony Gormley: How Art Began, BBC2, 9pm Renowned British sculptor Antony Gormley sets off on an incredible journey that will take him back to some of the earliest artwork to have existed on Earth, as he questions why we as a species strive to express ourselves in that way. He checks out some extraordinary new discoveries that have been found around the world, including deep inside caves located around modern day France, Spain, Indonesia and Australia. He examines the techniques our ancestors would have used to create their art, and speculates on what the works tell us about who they were.
The Ray D’Arcy Show, RTE1, 9.50pm The host returns for another entertaining edition of his muchloved late-night talk show, as he welcomes a wide variety of very special guests from all corners of the entertainment world for a chat about their latest projects.